DALLAS—To celebrate the start of a new school year, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is saluting military children for their service and sacrifice with giveaways and in-store events July 28.

The Exchange is partnering with Vanguard on a military brat patch, available for free while supplies last at select main stores worldwide. Stripes Alterations coupons, valued up to $5, will allow kids to have the patch sewn on a personal item. The patch honors the selfless spirit of Warfighters’ children.

“A new school year is a perfect time to recognize the important role of military children.” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “The Exchange wants to help kids see their value as they get ready to go back to school, and these patches help accomplish that.”

Kids who wear or bring their brat patch to participating Exchange restaurants July 28 will receive a free treat as well. Treats vary by location and may come in the form of a side, fountain drink, dessert or other item. Offer is valid July 28 only.

Also that day, students—and their parents, too— can put their best foot forward in the new school year with style tips, skincare advice and more at the Look Cool for School beauty event in select main stores. Book bags will be given away (available in store only) with skincare, fragrance or cosmetic purchases of $30 or more. Shoppers can also redeem a coupon online or in store all day on July 28th for $5 off a $30 skincare, fragrance or cosmetic purchase—or $15 off a $60 purchase with a MILITARY STAR® card.

Other back-to-school deals include:

Specials and events in Exchange malls. (Shoppers can check with their local Exchange for specific dates, times and events.)

Matching of local sales tax discounts in states that offer tax-free weekends on school supplies, clothing and footwear. (For more information, official dates and included items, shoppers can check their state’s tax website.)

“Sending kids back to class doesn’t have to break the bank,” Reyes said. “With tax-free shopping and military-exclusive pricing, the Exchange offers tremendous value for Airmen, Soldiers and their families.”

Soldiers and Airmen can visit the community page on ShopMyExchange.com for more information on event times and locations participating in back-to-school events. Shoppers can find their nearest Exchange by visiting ShopMyExchange.com/exchange-stores

Facebook-Friendly Version: The military brat patch is back! Kids can get an exclusive military brat patch and a free treat at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service locations worldwide on July 28 to celebrate the start of a new school year. Read more: https://bit.ly/2JyXUli

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Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 61st-largest retailer in the United States. Its earnings provided $2.4 billion in dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs over the last 10 years. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Doug Brodess, 214-312-3393 or brodessd@aafes.com